Mercedes-Benz has given its smallest and most affordable SUV a thorough refresh. Say hello to the all-new third-generation GLA, which gets a completely new design, a fresh interior and, for the first time, can be had with an all-electric powertrain. It’s underpinned by Mercedes-Benz’s new Modular Architecture (MMA), and for those who don’t want to go fully-electric, there’s also a hybrid version on offer.
Leading the line-up are two electric variants. The rear-wheel-drive GLA 250+ which develops 264 bhp, and the range-topping GLA 350 4MATIC which gets a dual-motor setup producing 344 bhp. The hotter GLA can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.3 seconds. Both draw power from an 85 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery and benefit from an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing DC fast charging at speeds of up to 320 kW. The result? Up to 270 km of range can be added in just 10 minutes. Mercedes-Benz also claims a WLTP-certified range of up to 657 km on a single charge.
Recognising that many buyers still aren’t ready to make the jump to a full EV, the brand will also offer a new hybrid powertrain. It combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an electric motor integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Although it remains instantly recognisable as a GLA, the new model has grown in size. Its wheelbase is 61 mm longer than before, liberating additional space inside the cabin, particularly for rear passengers, while luggage capacity has also improved. Electric versions gain an extra front storage compartment beneath the bonnet, offering a convenient place to store charging cables and other small items.
On the styling front, the new GLA adopts Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language first seen on the new CLA. The electric models feature a large black panel grille incorporating illuminated three-pointed stars, flush-fitting door handles, cleaner body surfacing and redesigned lighting with three-pointed star light signatures. At the rear, the GLA gets a connected LED tail lamps setup which for a wider visual stance.
Step inside and the similarities with the new CLA become immediately apparent. There’s the same 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and higher-spec variants can be equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX Superscreen, which adds a passenger display. The system runs on the brand’s new MB.OS operating system, supporting over-the-air updates and integrating AI-powered voice assistance using both ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Other highlights include a panoramic glass roof, a 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, and the latest suite of driver assistance technologies. The SUV also gets a panoramic windscreen projection display, similar to the newer BMW’s, which projects key driving information and customisable widgets across the base of the windscreen, reducing the need for drivers to look away from the road.
The all-new GLA is expected to go on sale in Europe in early 2027 before rolling out across other global markets. While Mercedes-Benz India is yet to announce its plans, the new GLA is all but certain to arrive here. Whether Indian buyers also get the choice of the hybrid alongside the all-electric version, however, is a question only time will answer.
